Fiddles in Luso-Afro-Brazilian Cultures

"This is a solid and complex piece of multi-sited research that, in lucid prose, tackles a novel topic - bowed chordophones across the Afro-Lusophone world, encompassing Portugal, Cape Verde, Mozambique and Brazil. Challenging a range of preconceived ideas about African musical principles, Luiz Moretto shows how bowed chordophones of various types mediated encounters in different settings, each presenting very distinct and context-specific responses, from cultural dissemination, independent invention, hybridizations, resistance and revivals."
Suzel Reily, Professor of Ethnomusicology at the Universiade Estadual de Campinas

"This is an extremely rich account of one could call "the black fiddle", immersing readers in a meticulously researched journey through the rich tapestry of African and Afro-diasporic music cultures. Readers will find detailed analyses of how the European instrument was incorporated and re-signified in countries deeply marked by the history of the Atlantic Slave Trade, such as Brazil, Mozambique and Cape Verde. Through vivid ethnographic accounts and previously unpublished materials, this groundbreaking work sheds light on the transcultural dynamics of fiddle traditions, challenging notions of authenticity and decolonization. It not only fills a void in music literature but also captivates a broader audience with its exploration of untold narratives and rhythmic aesthetics, resonating across continents and cultures."
Felipe Correa, Reader in Cultural Studies, King's College London

"This compelling work challenges entrenched stereotypes and narratives rooted in colonial history, offering fresh perspectives on African traditional instruments and their rich cultural contexts. Moving beyond the confines of authenticity politics and power dynamics, it presents a nuanced and contemporary discourse. Written by a seasoned musician deeply immersed in the world of African music and its diasporic encounters, this book is a must-read."
Genitho Santana, Anthropology Teacher at School of Art and Communication, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane